How to choose the best locum agency

In the healthcare industry, locums working across various specialties find it increasingly important to partner with the right recruitment agency. This relationship plays a pivotal role in ensuring they find work that complements their skills and preferences, aligns with their professional goals, and provides a positive experience. With a vast array of recruitment companies and staffing agencies vying for attention, the task of choosing the right locum agency can be a formidable one. Here, we'll delve into key factors to consider to guide your selection process, helping to secure a beneficial partnership in your locum journey.

If you have decided you would like to work full time as a locum doctor or fit locum shifts around your permanent role the next step is to choose your locum agency. Most doctors choose to work with a locum agency because it is their job to take care of everything for you from paperwork to travel and logistics.

When you begin to think about choosing the best locum agency for your career, you will find that you have a plethora of choices. When it comes to choosing your agency it is essential that you find one who understands your wants and needs and can get you the maximum benefits.

If you want to achieve the best outcome it is preferable to work with one agency but make sure they are well suited to your career and lifestyle needs and willing to go the extra mile for you!

Working with one medical recruitment agency will allow you to build a strong trusting relationship with your recruitment consultant, meaning they will be able to find you locum shifts that fulfil your needs. Choosing the correct agency can be overwhelming.

Medrecruit is a locum (or locum tenens) agency, we work with locum doctors across Australasia and help them find locum roles that suit their career, lifestyle, or financial goals.

From our perspective, here are the three main things you should consider when choosing your the best medical locum agency.

Find a locum agency with the most jobs on the books

You want to ensure that the locum agency you choose to work with can offer you options and frequent opportunities. Explore the agency's breadth and quality of opportunities. Are they offering roles that match your specialty and desired location? Do they cater to a variety of work arrangements – short-term, long-term, part-time, or full-time? A well-connected agency will be able to provide diverse opportunities, enhancing your chances to find work that suits your preferences.

If you are registered with a locum agency with a big network and strong relationships with its clients as well as multiple jobs on the books then you will increase your chances of landing the perfect locum job.

Consider the geographical scope and variety of locum assignments offered by the agency. Determine if the agency has a wide network of clients and can provide you with diverse opportunities, both in terms of location and practice settings. A broader range of opportunities will allow you to find assignments that align with your preferences and career goals.

Medrecruit is the largest locum recruitment agency in Australasia. With more than double the number of locum than any other agency in Australasia.

If you are a doctor in Australia or New Zealand looking to locum - we can help!

Our Solutions Specialists are each trained to be experts in different areas of medicine. They have a close relationship with the doctors they work with, but they also have great relationships with clients. This allows them to negotiate your terms and salary on your behalf and present you with jobs before they hit the market.

Find an agency with a strong reputation and track record

Begin by researching the reputation and track record of potential locum recruitment agencies. Look for agencies that have a history of successful placements and satisfied doctors. Check online reviews, testimonials, and professional forums to gather insights from other locum physicians about their experiences with various agencies. Additionally, consult your peers and colleagues for recommendations.

A reliable agency should have a robust network of hospitals and clinics and a history of successfully placing locums in suitable positions. They should be well-versed with the intricacies of the healthcare industry, capable of navigating the complex terrain of contracts, licensure, and credentialing processes.

Find a locum agency that puts you first

Medrecruit’s goal is to help doctors find better. We were set up by a doctor, for doctors. When Dr Sam Hazledine (Medrecruit Founder) saw his colleagues struggling with burnout he set up Medrecruit with the goal of helping doctors find a better career or lifestyle.

A high-quality locum recruitment agency should provide personalised service and support. They should take the time to understand your unique skills, preferences, and objectives to match you with the best-suited locum opportunities. A dedicated recruiter who communicates regularly and is responsive to your questions and concerns can make a significant difference in your overall experience.

Navigating the credentialing and licensing process for locum tenens assignments can be complex and time-consuming. Look for an agency that offers comprehensive support in this area, assisting you with the necessary paperwork and ensuring all requirements are met in a timely manner.

At Medrecruit, the wellbeing of our doctors is at the heart of everything we do which is why our partner company Medworld changed the Declaration of Geneva to include the health and the wellbeing of the doctor.

It is important when selecting your agency to find an agency that shares your values and ideologies. If the wellbeing of the profession is important to you Medrecruit would be a great choice for your locum agency.

Find a locum agency with a competent team that knows your specialty

When choosing a locum agency you want to know that your team is competent because you will be trusting them with finding your next placement and arranging the travel and accommodation.

Choose an agency that specialises in your medical field to ensure they have an extensive understanding of your specific needs and job requirements. An agency with expertise in your area of practice will be better equipped to match you with suitable positions, negotiate competitive rates, and provide informed guidance and support throughout the process.

Assess the agency's level of communication and support. The ideal agency will offer personalised services, attentive to your needs and career aspirations. They should be accessible, responsive, and transparent, keeping you updated about potential opportunities, contract details, and the status of your applications.

The Medrecruit Solution Specialists are all professionals with expert knowledge in the locum doctor space. As a junior doctor, you will be joining a network of over 70,000 doctors and 2,000 doctor jobs, and your dedicated Solution Specialists will be working to find locum roles perfectly matched to you. As a Consultant, you will be assigned a representative who is dedicated to your specialty and has their finger on the pulse when it comes to opportunities in your field.

Look for transparent and competitive compensation

Consider the benefits and incentives offered by the agency. Some agencies provide additional perks like travel and housing arrangements. Make sure the agency offers transparent and competitive compensation packages. Clarify how the payment process works, including how and when you will be paid, and inquire about any additional benefits.

At Medrecruit, we will go out of our way to negotiate on your behalf so you get the pay rates you are after, we arrange all your transport and accommodation which is covered for the majority of placements.

Choosing the right locum recruitment agency is an essential step in your locum tenens journey. By considering factors such as reputation, specialisation, range of opportunities, personalised service, credentialing support, and compensation, you can confidently select an agency that will help you achieve a rewarding and fulfilling locum experience.

Medrecruit offers a done-for-you service, we find your locum roles, then we assist with the paperwork, travel, accommodation and logistics. We help get things done so that you're freed up you can concentrate on what you do best. Which could be saving lives!

When you choose a medical recruitment agency you want one who is willing to become your team. Search for jobs, help with your CV, do your paperwork, negotiate for higher rates on your behalf, and then deal with the travel logistics - so you don't have to.

At Medrecruit, not only do you get a personal recruitment consultant, we also have a support network in place to handle the logistics of your placement from travel details to getting paid, what’s more – our service is entirely free for doctors.

In conclusion, taking the time to research and select the right locum agency can yield significant benefits in your career. It can not only help streamline your job search but also ensure a smoother transition into locum roles, setting you up for a successful and satisfying stint in the world of locum tenens.

If you would like to learn more about how Medrecruit, Australasia’s largest locum recruitment agency, can assist you in finding your ideal locum job, register below.